Assessing The Micro-Hydro Power Potential For Lower River Nzoia Basin In Kenya

Abstract

Kenya generates 50% of her electricity demand from hydro power plants along Tana River. Micro- hydro generation is a key contributor to future energy supply. River Nzoia is one of the major rivers in the western region of the Country which can provide adequate hydropower generation if detailed assessment can be carried out. The real potential of this river is yet to be explored. This study is therefore an attempt to explore the potential for micro-hydroelectricity generation along River Nzoia which is partly influenced by precipitation within the river basin and gross head. Power computations that combines flow discharge and water head was used to determine the hydropower potential of this river